The Mexican Caribbean Sea is filled with spectacular life. Everyone’s favorite? The dolphin! Why? Because they’re smart, friendly, and social. They even seem to enjoy our company as well. There are even stories of dolphins rescuing people from shark attacks!

But there isn’t just one kind of dolphin. There are many types of dolphins. Each species is unique its own way.

What types of dolphins live in the Gulf of Mexico?

Let’s examine, dolphin by dolphin, each of the 9 dolphin types that live in Mexico.

Together, we’ll learn about their:

• habitat
• diet
• physical dimensions, and much more.

Here are 9 incredible types of dolphins in Mexico:

1.       Bottlenose Dolphin

This is the most commonly known dolphin. If you ever go on a dolphin swim in Cancun, this would be the dolphin you’d meet.

Behavior:

These guys are strong swimmers. They even like to jump out of the water (sometimes several yards high). Depending on the climate, they may stay in the same area for a while. They’ve even been known to cooperate with local fisherman. When they dive—it’s rarely for longer than a few minutes. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a bottlenose dolphin to approach a small boat.

Location:

Of course, they are found in the Mexican Caribbean. However, there also located in the Mediterranean, Black, and Red Sea. It’s rare you’ll see them north of the United Kingdom.

Diet:

Mainly fish and squid. Like all dolphins, they not only eat food, but they ‘eat’ they’re hydration as well. All of their water comes from their diet.

Adult Size:

Adults vary from 6 to 12 feet in length. They weigh from 330 – 1,435 lbs.

Latin Name:

Tursiops (meaning ‘looks like a dolphin’)  truncates (shortened)

2.       Clymene Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in Mexico Clymene

This dolphin is known for having black ‘lips’. It is actually a hybrid between the spinner and striped dolphin.

Behavior:

Recent observations suggest they enjoy breaching the water and landing on their back or sides. They are also known to approach small boats. They are nocturnal hunters.

Location:

The location of these dolphins is poorly known. It has been seen throughout the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Africa, and North and South America. New Jersey is the farthest north they’ve been seen.

Diet:

Fish, squid and octopus.

Adult Size:

From 5-6 feet and 110-200 lbs.

Latin Name:

Stenella clymene

Derived from Greek Mythology.

3.        Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in mexico Atlantic Spotted

Behavior:

They are known to ‘bow-ride’ in front of boats. They’ve been spotted frequently with bottlenose dolphins which has caused some confusion.

Location:

During the summer, they tend to be near the shore. Found both in the north and south Atlantic Ocean.

Diet:

Fish, squid, octopus

Adult Size:

From 5-7 feet and 220-330 lbs.

Latin Name:

Stenella frontalis

Stenella derived from Greek Mythology and frontalis means ‘forehead’ in Latin.

4.       Fraser’s Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in mexico Fraser’s Dolphin

Behavior:

This dolphin is a deep diver. They are known to hunt at depths of 820-1,640 ft. Unlike a lot of other dolphins, the Fraser’s dolphin mostly stays away from boats.

Location:

With the exception of the Gulf of Mexico, this dolphin stays mainly in the Pacific and Indian oceans. They also are rarely seen inshore, preferring to stay farther out.

Diet:

Fish, squid, octopus

Adult Size:

6-8 feet and 350-460 lbs.

Latin Name:

Lagenodelphis hosei

Means ‘toothed whale’ in Latin

5.       Pantropical Spotted Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in Mexico Pantropical Spotted Dolphin

Behavior:

This is a very active dolphin. So much so, that can be sighted from afar, simply from the froth they produce from frequent breaches. They are known to have impressive hang time.

Location:

These dolphins are found mainly where the water temperature is above 77 F (particularly in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean.

Diet:

Fish, squid, octopus, and occasionally krill.

Adult Size:

5-8 ft. and 200-255 lbs.

Latin Name:

Stenella attenuate

(means ‘narrow & tapered’ in Latin)

6.       Risso’s Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in mexico Risso’s Dolphin

Behavior:

Only adolescents perform full breaches out of the water. Adults jump out halfway, and slap the side of their heads against the water. They can stay underwater for 30 minutes. Only in rare instances have they been observed bow-riding.

Location:

These dolphins tend to be found within 7 miles off the coast. They enjoy warm water, but will actually travel to cooler waters during the summer.

Diet:

Mainly squid and octopus with occasional fish.

Adult Size:

8-12 feet and 660-1,100 lbs.

Latin Name:

Grampus griseus

(originally meaning ‘fat fish’ in Latin)

7.       Rough-toothed Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in mexico Rough-toothed Dolphin

Behavior:

These dolphins are rarely observed as they tend to spend a lot of time underwater (up to 15 minutes). When they breach the water, it is only done half-heartedly. They will bow-ride, but much less frequently than other dolphins.

Location:

They tend to avoid colder waters. There exists a permanent population in the Mediterranean Sea. In recent years, many have been spotted off the coast of Hawaii and Brazil.

Diet:

Fish, squid or octopus

Adult Size:

7-8 feet and 220-230 lbs.

Latin Name:

Steno bredanensis

(Steno means “narrow” in Greek and Bredanesis was named after a researcher whose last name was “Von Breda”)

8.       Spinner Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in mexico Spinner Dolphin

Behavior:

The spinner dolphin may be the best breaching dolphin in the world. They are known to breach up to 3 yards in breach. The coolest part? They spin on a longitudinal axis up SEVEN times in on breach. Hence, the name ‘spinner’.

Location:

The spinner dolphin has a very broad range. They tend to be found far out to sea, but at times close to shore. They prefer tropical climates.

Diet:

Squid, octopus or fish.

Adult Size:

4-7 feet and 100-165 lbs.

Latin Name:

Stenella longirostris

(Steno means “narrow” in Greek, while ‘longirostris’ means ‘long snout’ in Latin)

9.       Striped Dolphin

9 Incredible types of dolphins in mexico Striped Dolphin

Behavior:

Like the Spinner dolphin above, the striped dolphin is capable of incredible acrobatics. They have been observed breaching an eye-popping 15 feet out of the air. That’s not all. They can do back-flips, tail-spins and jump in and out of the water repeated—upside down!

They can also dive up to 655 feet deep when hunting.

Location:

These dolphins are found in clusters all over the world. They have been spotted off the coast of Japan, China, and Mexico among other warm, temperate areas.

Diet:

Fish, octopus, or squid.

Adult Size:

6-8 feet and 200-300 lbs.

Latin Name:

Stenella coeruleoalba

(Steno means ‘narrow’ in Greek, while coeruleoalba means ‘blue white’ in Latin)

There you have it folks. That was our guide to the 9 incredible types of dolphins in Mexico. So, let’s hear it: Which Mexican dolphin is your favorite?

Post by Dolphinaris Blog

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Dolphinaris’ five locations in Quintana Roo, Mexico, have achieved certification through the global American Humane Conservation program for the welfare and humane treatment of the animals under its care.

The American Humane Conservation program is the first-ever certification program solely devoted to helping verify the humane treatment of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the globe. The program enforces rigorous, evidence-based standards of comprehensive animal welfare, developed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, animal ethics, and conservation.

“We are thrilled to announce the certification of Dolphinaris’ five Mexican locations under the American Humane Conservation program,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane President and CEO. “Dolphinaris’ dedication to meeting the highest standards of humane, verifiable and transparent animal care demonstrates to the public their leadership as a responsible steward of the remarkable animals living under their care.”

The American Humane Conservation program’s extensive criteria exhaustively verify the many dimensions of animal welfare and well-being, with areas of evaluation including: excellent health and housing; positive social interactions within groups of animals, as well as between animals and handlers; safe and stimulating environments, with concern for factors such as appropriate lighting, sound levels, air quality, and thermoregulation; and evidence of thorough preparation and protocols established to prevent and manage medical or operational emergencies.

“Our quality, ethics and professionalism have been key in achieving such important global certification,” said Leonardo Ibarra, Veterinary Services Manager, Dolphinaris. At Dolphinaris we are committed with the health and welfare of every animal under our care. We will continue working to maintain and constantly enforce the highest standards in humane treatment for our animals.”

For added rigor, Dolphinaris’ compliance with the American Humane Conservation standards was verified through an independent audit. You can read more about the American Humane Conservation program here: http://humaneconservation.org/

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the United States’s first national humane organization. For more information about American Humane, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

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What is there to do in Tulum? Try Swimming with Dolphins!

Tulum: What to do?

You’ve come to Tulum, and now you’re wondering “what is there to do in Tulum?”.

Right? Well, don’t worry.

We’re going to show you how to shorten your bucket list while staying in Tulum.

You know? So you and your family can do something amazing.

What’s ahead?

FIRST, we’ll show you 4 different dolphin swims available in Tulum.

THEN we’ll show you 4 things to do in Tulum that every traveler should try.

Ready?
Let’s get started!

Dolphinaris Tulum

Website:

https://www.dolphinaris.com/locations/tulum/

Location:

Inside of the Hotel Grand Bahia Principe Tulum

(Free Presentations to all Guests)

Directions

Google Map Directions

User Reviews

Trip Advisor Reviews

Summary:

Swimming with dolphins is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that everyone loves.

It’s practically impossible not to. That’s what makes swimming with dolphins such an enjoyable activity.

You know everyone around you is having a great time. Because let’s face it. Everyone has their own particular tastes and preferences.

This goes for Tulum vacation activities too. So this becomes the problem. You or someone in your group ends up entering into a petty squabble over which Tulum activity comes next.

Don’t let that happen to your Tulum vacation. Do something truly memorable.

Consider 1 of these 4 eye-opening dolphin swims.

Dolphin Swims in Dolphinaris Tulum

1.      Trainer for a Day

What is there to do in Tulum? Trainer for a day

Duration: 6:30 hours

Interaction Time: 135 minutes

More Details:

https://www.dolphinaris.com/swim-with-dolphins/trainer-for-a-day/

Summary:

This is the ultimate FULL-DAY dolphin swim experience.

With the trainer for a day program, you can…

• Do the famous ‘foot push’ or ‘dorsal ride’
• Learn about diet and anatomy
• Shake their fin
• Put on an oxygen mask from a scuba tank and watch the dolphins subaquatically
• Listen to them communicate
• Watch them soar through the air for fun

2. Dolphin Swim Program

What is there to do in Tulum? Dolphin Swim Program

Duration: 1 hour

Interaction Time: 40 minutes

More details:

https://www.dolphinaris.com/swim-with-dolphins/dolphin-swim-program/

Summary:

In this magical Tulum dolphin swim, you get personal interactive time for a…

• Introduction to dolphin behavior and physiology
• Dolphin kiss & fin shake
• Personal interaction with a dolphin

Foot push or dorsal ride

3. Dolphin Swim & Ride

What is there to do in Tulum? Dolphin Swim and Ride

Duration: 1 hour

Interaction Time: 40 minutes

More details:

https://www.dolphinaris.com/experience/dolphin-swim-program/

Summary:

With this swim program you can use a dive mask to check out our dolphin’s underwater maneuvers!

You also get …

• Introduction to dolphin behavior and physiology
• Dolphin kiss & fin shake
• Personal interaction with a dolphin
• Belly ride
• Time to dive with masks

4. Dolphin Interactive Program

What is there to do in Tulum? Dolphin Interactive Program

Duration: 1 hour

Interaction Time: 40 minutes

Come to the world’s best dolphinarium where you can get…

• An introduction to dolphin behavior and physiology
• A dolphin kiss & fin shake
• & Personal interaction with a dolphin

https://www.dolphinaris.com/experience/triple-adventure-program-in-riviera-maya/

Best of all, there are so many other fun things to do in Tulum like these…

4 Stunning Things to do in Tulum:

1.      Playa Paraiso

What is there to do in Tulum? Playa Paraíso

(Source)

USER REVIEWS

Trip Advisor

DIRECTIONS

Google Maps

SUMMARY

This is one of the most breathtaking beaches you’ll ever visit.

2.      Dos Ojos Cenote

What is there to do in Tulum? Cenote dos ojos

(Source)

USER REVIEWS

Trip Advisor

DIRECTIONS

Google Maps
Summary

Everyone agrees: Dos Ojos Cenote is one of the top cenotes in all of Mexico.

3.      Tulum Ruins

What is there to do in Tulum? Ruins

USER REVIEWS

Trip Advisor

DIRECTIONS

Google Maps

SUMMARY

One of the greatest Mayan ruins constructed against a backdrop of the dazzling Mexican Caribbean.

Awe-inspiring historical engineering + Breathtaking natural beauty.

What more could you ask for?

4.      Sac Actun Stalactite Caves + Cenote

What is there to do in Tulum? Sac Actun Caves

(Source)

USER REVIEWS

Trip Advisor

DIRECTIONS

Google Maps

SUMMARY

Just a short distance away from Dos Ojos cenote are the spectacular stalactite caves of Sac Actun.

Enjoy a refreshing swim and admire the jaw-dropping beauty of Sac Actun.

Conclusion:

• There are many amazing things to do in Tulum
• Swimming with dolphins at Dolphinaris is a surefire way to create unbelievable memories for everyone
• Dolphinaris Tulum has 4 entertaining dolphin swims to choose from
• There are 4 other incredible things to do in Tulum for you to enjoy after your dolphin swim

That was our What is there to do in Tulum? Try Swimming with Dolphins! Article. If you enjoyed, we hope you share this article on your Facebook.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!

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Yikes! There are less than 60 vaquitas left on the planet!

What are Vaquitas?

In case you didn’t know…

They are the world’s smallest cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, whales).  They’re also the most endangered marine mammal on the planet.

A Rescue Plan

Navy-Trained Bottlenose Dolphins May Save the Vaquita

But not all is lost, though. They’re cousins, the bottlenose dolphins, are coming to the rescue!

Let’s take a firsthand look at how navy-trained bottlenose dolphins may save the vaquita.

But first of all…

Why are the Vaquitas in Danger?

Fishermen use ‘gillnets’ to catch the totoaba fish.

These totoaba ‘gillnets’, which are banned, happen to also catch the vaquita dolphin.

The problem is this: the swim bladder of the totoaba fish can be sold for 7,000 USD to 14,000 USD on the blackmarket. Some even call it “aquatic cocaine”.

The Totoaba: China’s Prized Delicacy

Why is this swim bladder so valuable in China?

Because they believe it can help with a wide variety of ailments from infertility to achy joints. Before they used the swim bladder of the yellow croaker, before it’s numbers diminished.

Why is the Totoaba Swim Bladder So Expensive?

The totoaba is endangered as well. This, and vaquita protection efforts, have made fishing the totoaba illegal.

When you pair this fact with the strong demand, you’ve created the perfect recipe for illegal trade. What you have is…

• low supplies (endangered totoaba)
• high demand (some Chinese believe it to be a miracle drug)
• a high enough price to entice people to break the law

Ultimate it comes down to this sad truth…

There’s A LOT more money in killing the totoaba—and the vaquita—than there is in protecting them.

Navy-Trained Bottlenose Dolphins to the Rescue

But luckily…

The U.S. Navy trains bottlenose dolphins to use their ability to dive deep and use sonar, to locate mines and other objects. In this case, the vaquita.

Here’s the plan.

1. Send the navy-trained bottlenose dolphins down to find the vaquitas
2. Once the dolphin reports back
3. Capture the vaquita
4. Transport back to an enclosed-pen in the sea

There, they would be free from gillnets and have the protection to reproduce to safe numbers.

At least…in theory.

The Counterargument

Other experts say the rescue mission is too risky. The remaining female vaquitas could die, guaranteeing their extinction.

But…

…there may be no choice in the matter as no better rescue alternative exists.

The navy-trained bottlenose dolphins will start their rescue mission sometime this spring.

The Brief History of the Vaquita

The vaquita wasn’t officially discovered until 1950!

Even stranger…

Scientists didn’t see one live until 1985!

The Size & Look of the Vaquita

As mentioned earlier, the vaquita(meaning small cow in Spanish) is the smallest cetacean.

Its dimensions are…

• 9 to 4.9 feet in length (120 to 150 cms.)
• 120 pounds in weight (55 kilograms)

It has small dark rings around its eyes and mouth.

Conclusion

how navy trained bottlenose dolphins may save the vaquita infografic

• We’ve only known the vaquitas for about 30 years.
• Their global numbers have shrunk to below 60.
• Illegal trade remains its number one threat.
• S. Navy trained bottlenose dolphins to use deep-diving and sonar to locate the vaquitas
• The mission is risky and dangerous—but it may be their only hope.

That was our How Navy-Trained Bottlenose Dolphins May Save the Vaquita article. How did we do?

If you enjoyed, please share on Facebook.

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Do you love bottlenose dolphins?

Do you want to learn everything you can about them? Well we’ve prepared the ULTIMATE guide to bottlenose dolphin fun facts.

In fact, our guide has more facts (23) than any other on the internet (at the time of publication).

SO without further ado…

Here are…

23 Fun Facts About Bottlenose Dolphins That Will Astonish You:

1. What Do Bottlenose Dolphins Eat?

Bottles dolphins can eat “15-30 pounds per day of small fishes, squid, and crustaceans.”

2. Bottlenose Dolphins Don’t Chew

They eat fish and squid, whole. They always eat the head first to avoid going against the grain with the scales.

3. Can Bottlenose Dolphins See Outside of the Water?

Bottlenose Dolphins actually have great eyesight both in and out of the water.

4. Dolphins Sometimes Have Traffic Accidents

They really do! Even though it’s rare, it can happen. And when it does, it can be fatal.

5. How Long Does It Take for A Bottlenose Dolphin to Give Birth?

Dolphin labor can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours.

6. Dolphins Play with Their Food

They smack fish with their tail which stuns them. Then, they either repeat the process or eat it up.

7. Bottlenose Dolphins Are Like Trees

Dendrochronology is when you cut the stump of a tree to count the rings. Each ring represents one year of age.

The same process can be used to determine the age of a bottlenose dolphin by counting each layer in their teeth.

Determine the age of a bottlenose dolphin by counting each layer in their teeth

8 Where Do Bottlenose Dolphins Live?

These dolphins are found practically anywhere in the ocean where its temperate or tropical.

9. A Group of Dolphins Is Called…

Dolphins are social creatures. As such they travel in groups, called ‘pods‘. Each pod is consists of about 10-15 bottlenose dolphins.

10. How Fast Can Bottlenose Dolphins Swim?

They can reach speeds over 20 mph an hour and dive as deep as 800 feet below the surface!

11. How Long Are Bottlenose Dolphins?

Bottlenose dolphins range from 6-13 feet long.

12.  How Far Can Bottlenose Dolphins Jump Out of the Water?

They can launch themselves up to 15 feet out of the water! Impressive huh?

13. How Long Can Bottlenose Dolphins Hold Their Breath?

They can hold their breath underwater for around seven minutes.

14. Do Bottlenose Dolphins Use Body Language?

They use many kinds of body language:

• Leaping out of the water
• Snapping their jaws
• Butting heads

The Dolphins can launch themselves up to 15 feet out of the water! Impressive huh?

15. Are Bottlenose Dolphins Capable of Echolocation?

Yes.

They use a series of clicks to help them find food. They can determine the location, size and even the shape through echolocation.

16. How Big is a Bottlenose Dolphin Brain?

The average bottlenose dolphin brain weighs 1500-1600 grams.

For reference, a human brain is about 1300-1400 grams (though we do have a greater brain-to-body ratio).

17. How Do Bottlenose Dolphins Give Birth?

A bottlenose dolphin calf is born tail-first to prevent drowning.
Checkout this video to see exactly how.

18. How Do Bottlenose Dolphin Sleep?

With with one eye open! How weird is that? Unlike humans, Bottlenose dolphins need to be awake to breathe.

19. Does The Military Use Bottlenose Dolphins?

Yes! In the United States and Russia, dolphins are trained to be soldiers! They are trained for marine tasks, such as locating sea mines and detecting enemy divers.

20. What Is Bottlenose Dolphins Body Temperature?

Bottlenose dolphins are warm-blooded. They actually have an internal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Same as us!

21. Dolphins Get High On Puffer Fish

No seriously! Check out this video for proof!

22. Do Bottlenose Dolphins Have a Sense of Smell?

Sadly, no.

But they have an acute sense of taste, being able to distinguish between, sweet, sour, bitter and salty.

23. Bottlenose Dolphins Are One of the Three Species That Engage in Sex for Pleasure

I just hope they wear protection. The other 2 species? Pigs and of course humans.

24. Do Bottlenose Dolphins Shed Skin?

Yes. CONSTANTLY. This helps them keep an aerodynamic finish to their skin.

25. A Bottlenose Dolphin’s Stomach Consists of Three Compartments or Chambers

The first compartment acts as storage. The second compartment, works like our stomach. It uses enzymes like hydrochloric acid to break down food.

And the third compartment prepares things for the final stage before…well…you know.

26. Dolphins Have Long Time Been a Superstition for Sailors and Fishermen

For centuries, sailors and fishermen have considered seeing dolphins at sea as a sign of good luck!

27. Dolphins Have Horizontal Tails Because of Evolution

If you’ve noticed, sharks have vertical fins, and dolphins have horizontal fins.

Ever wonder why that is?

Well, since fish developed from worms wiggling on the ground, of which a vertical tail works best with.

Dolphins evolved from land mammals. Land mammals needed to extend their stride. In order to do that, they needed a spine that flexed. A horizontal tail works best in that form.
Sources:

https://wherethedolphinsswim.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/10-remarkable-bottlenose-dolphins-facts-you-didnt-know/

http://www.ngkids.co.uk/animals/dolphins

http://www.dolphins-world.com/bottlenose-dolphin-facts/

http://bottlenosedolphin.facts.co/funbottlenosedolphinfacts.php

http://www.sciencefocus.com/qa/why-do-fish-have-vertical-tail-fins-and-whales-have-horizontal-ones

http://www.cruiserswiki.org/wiki/Sea_Superstitions

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